Tell them about the fabulous food. Tell them about the celebrity chefs like Fabio Vivani, the "Big Kahuna" in the "Top Chef" series. Mention the great local wines available at the Rotary wine tent. Strike up a conversation about the free and fantastic bands - remind them that Rascal Flatts played the 'Fest before "Life is a Highway" went to No. 1 on every chart in the country.

It's always worth telling the tale of how the festival works, too. People volunteer their time on behalf of hundreds of local organizations. The gross receipts are collected, the bills are paid, an an hourly wage is designated and the money flows through the volunteers to the various organizations. Those organizations run the gamut from the Gilroy High School Band and Color Guard Boosters to the Gilroy Downtown Business Association to La Isla Pacifica, a local safe haven for battered women. So, in essence, everyone who comes to the Great Gilroy Garlic Festival to enjoy themselves is doing a good deed.

Besides that, it's inexpensive ($12 for a regular ticket) and close to home - what more could someone ask for in these tough economic times?

The dates this year are Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. Some good souls from places other than Gilroy may even want to volunteer alongside a local to really understand the essence of the event.

If you're a Gilroyan and haven't volunteered yet - or ever - ask around. Your church, your school group, your child's sports league or the Chamber of Commerce may need you to prep pasta dishes, direct traffic, sell programs or pour ice cold beer. It's all good, and the best part is when you're a part of it.

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